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Mushrooms offer a wonderful flavour to meals and side dishes and are low in calories, high in nutrients, and suitable for every meal. They are, nevertheless, also incredibly nutritious. Indeed, it is quite reasonable that they are frequently referred to be a superfood.
Several health advantages of mushrooms make them a desirable food choice. Along with being high in vitamins and minerals, they are low in calories, cholesterol, and salt. Any diet would benefit greatly from them.
What Is A Mushroom?
Many people believe that mushrooms are vegetables. But this isn't the case. All veggies and fruits originate from edible plants. Plants are distinguished by the presence of chlorophyll, which converts solar energy into carbohydrates. Mushrooms, on the other hand, lack chlorophyll, preventing them from photosynthesizing; instead, they steal carbohydrates from plants. A mushroom (Agaricus Bisporus) is one of several types of fungus. Because of the overwhelming number of species, they have their own kingdom, 'The Kingdom of Fungi'.
There are many edible varieties of mushrooms such as button mushrooms, portobello mushrooms, shitake mushrooms, enoki mushrooms, morel mushrooms, oyster mushrooms, straw mushrooms, lion mane's mushrooms, maitake mushrooms, and more.
According to Medical News Today, the many edible mushroom varieties provide somewhat similar nutrients per serving. One cup of mushroom serving provides 21.1 calories, 3g protein, 3.1g carbs, and 2.9mg calcium, along with many other nutrients.
How To Use Mushrooms?
Combine hearty portobello mushrooms with grilled vegetables for a savoury burger alternative; use versatile white button mushrooms in creamy risottos or as pizza toppings; add chanterelles to creamy sauces or sauté with garlic and herbs for a gourmet side dish.
Benefits Of Mushrooms
Boosts Immunity
It has been demonstrated that the immune system functions far more efficiently when mushrooms have an anti-inflammatory impact. Vitamin D, B6, and selenium are present in significant concentrations in mushrooms. Vitamin D promotes cell growth, vitamin B6 aids in the formation of red blood cells in our bodies, and selenium can help shield cells from harm. A robust immune system is supported by all of these elements found in mushrooms according to WebMD.
Can Lift Your Mood
In 2021, habitual mushroom eaters were linked to a lower risk of depression in a cohort of around 25,000 people, according to an additional study undertaken by Penn State researchers. Once more, according to the scientists, this could be because ergothioneine reduces the risk of oxidative stress, which minimises depression symptoms. Because button mushrooms contain potassium, which helps lessen anxiety, eating them is encouraged.
Anti-Inflammatory Properties
One of the best meals to reduce inflammation is mushrooms. Heart disease, malignancies, and neurological illnesses like Alzheimer's are among the chronic diseases and autoimmune disorders that are associated with persistent inflammation in the body.
Numerous bioactive substances included in mushrooms have demonstrated anti-inflammatory properties, suggesting potential protection against various ailments according to Health.com.
Aids Gut Health
According to a review published in the September 2017 International Journal of Molecular Sciences, your gut is home to billions of bacteria. Eating mushrooms may help maintain the proper balance of bacteria in your GI tract to support immune system health and maintain a healthy digestive tract. Although preliminary, the evidence regarding mushrooms and intestinal health is rather strong. Prebiotics are the nutrients that probiotics live off of and are found in mushrooms.
May Help With Weight Loss
Studies, both short- and long-term, have shown that mushrooms can significantly aid in weight loss when combined with exercise and other lifestyle modifications. It is believed that the antioxidants in mushrooms may strengthen cells' defence mechanisms, enhancing their anti-inflammatory properties and preventing hypertension linked to fat according to WebMD.
Side Effects Of Mushrooms
Stomach Problems
Since mushrooms contain fungus, some people may experience an immediate onset of diarrhoea after consuming them. This might result in nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea. They don't complement every body type well, as per EverydayHealth.
Tiredness
Many people occasionally experience fatigue and sleepiness after eating mushrooms. According to the North American Mycological Association, if it's not to your taste, you may find yourself in a really unpleasant situation and lacking in energy.
Allergies
It is well known that mushrooms boost immunity. Certain individuals, particularly those who are sensitive to mushrooms, can also cause skin irritations and rashes, as per WebMD. When used in excess, some people have additional issues such as dry mouth, dry nose, and nasal bleeding.
